The visible results of a teeth whitening treatment can be observed for anywhere from a few months to up to two years. Therefore, this means that teeth whitening does not result in a permanent change, however there are steps you can take to extend the results of the treatment. Maintenance and avoiding smoking, red wine, coffee, and other staining agents will prolong the life of the whitening.
There are a few key ways to keep teeth white for as long as possible after a whitening treatment. The most important is to avoid foods and drinks that cause stains such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, beets, and other dark and acidic sauces. Also, avoid smoking and maintain a healthy diet. When possible consume beverages with a straw to avoid the drink coming into contact with the front of your teeth. The maintenance of regular dental cleaning is key to keeping teeth healthy and looking good.
A teeth whitening procedure should not make teeth more sensitive. You may experience some sensitivity in the first few days following the treatment, however this should quickly fade away.
Our dentists suggest receiving a dental cleaning before any whitening procedure to see the best possible results. This is because whitening works best when there is no plaque or tartar on the teeth, substances we remove during routine dental cleanings. Our staff at Capitol Smiles can work with you to schedule a dental cleaning before a whitening procedure or schedule a whitening procedure around when you already planned a visit.
Dental implants, such as crowns and veneers, are not affected by whitening treatments. Instead, porcelain and ceramic crowns maintain their naturally white color with good dental hygiene. Whitening treatments, however, can reduce the strength of the bond between the natural tooth enamel and implant. If you have any worries about this, the team and Capitol Smiles Dental can help inform you of whether whitening procedures are a good option for you.